Hundreds of tourists and residents have been evacuated from resort areas in Croatia and Greece as fast-moving wildfires, strong winds, extreme heat and drought fuel a wider fire crisis across Europe.

Croatia’s Omiš Hit by Major Wildfire

A powerful wildfire swept through the coastal resort area around Omiš in Croatia, forcing about 1,200 people to evacuate and leaving one person dead and around 40 injured, according to officials cited by Reuters. Several people were hospitalised, while emergency shelters were opened along the coast between Omiš and Split.

The blaze damaged homes and vegetation and spread across roughly 1,000 hectares. Firefighters faced difficult conditions as strong winds pushed flames through dry, highly combustible terrain. The fire also disrupted road links in the affected coastal region.

Tourists Forced to Leave Greek Resorts

In northern Greece, a wildfire threatened popular holiday destinations on the Halkidiki peninsula, including Siviri and Fourka. Flames moved rapidly through surrounding pine forests as strong winds made containment difficult.

Authorities issued evacuation warnings as the fire approached homes and beaches. With road evacuation considered too dangerous in some areas, hundreds of tourists and residents were moved to safety by sea using fishing boats, coast guard vessels and emergency craft. Reports put the number evacuated by sea at more than 300, while other accounts reported roughly 500 people moved from the danger zone.

Firefighters Battle Flames From Land and Air

Firefighting teams in Greece deployed more than 200 firefighters along with water-bombing aircraft and helicopters. The operation was complicated by strong winds and dense pine vegetation, which allowed the flames to spread quickly.

Croatian authorities also deployed large numbers of firefighters and equipment to contain the Omiš-area blaze. As the situation developed, firefighting aircraft and personnel were redirected to other fires, including a blaze on the forested Pelješac peninsula.

Extreme Heat and Drought Raise Fire Risk

The fires come as much of Europe faces exceptionally hot and dry conditions. The EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service has warned of “very extreme” wildfire conditions across parts of central and eastern Europe. Record-breaking heat and prolonged drought have left vegetation unusually dry and highly vulnerable to ignition.

Strong winds have added another layer of danger by accelerating the spread of flames and making aerial and ground firefighting more challenging. Greece, Croatia, France, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom have all reported serious wildfire incidents during the latest period of extreme weather.

Holiday Season Adds to Evacuation Challenge

The fires have struck at the height of Europe's summer tourism season, when coastal resorts in Croatia and Greece are crowded with international visitors. The large number of tourists has complicated emergency evacuations, particularly in areas where narrow roads can quickly become congested.

In Siviri, authorities turned to boats after conditions on the roads deteriorated. Images from the evacuation showed tourists leaving beaches and waiting at waterfront points as smoke and flames approached.

The incidents highlight the importance of rapid evacuation alerts and clear communication for visitors unfamiliar with local emergency procedures.

What Tourists Should Do During Wildfires

Travellers staying in wildfire-prone parts of southern Europe should closely monitor official emergency alerts and follow evacuation instructions immediately. Tourists should avoid driving toward smoke or flames, keep essential documents and medicines accessible, and identify more than one route away from a resort.

Visitors should also avoid beaches, forests and roads that authorities have closed. If an evacuation order is issued, tourists should not delay departure to collect belongings or attempt to return for vehicles.

Europe Faces a Wider Wildfire Crisis

The fires in Croatia and Greece are part of a much broader wildfire emergency affecting several European countries. France, Spain, Germany and the UK have also experienced destructive fires and evacuations during the current heatwave.

The combination of extreme temperatures, drought, dry vegetation and strong winds is creating dangerous conditions for both residents and tourists. With the summer season continuing, authorities across affected countries remain focused on containing fires, protecting populated areas and ensuring that evacuation systems can respond quickly when conditions deteriorate.